Jan 16 when in Vancouver

I had an opportunity to visit Vancouver, Canada just in December. It was my first time there, and I have to say - I fell in love with the charm I found in Gastown. From streets that made me feel as if I went back in time, to unique architecture and statues and amazing food - I loved it all and can't wait to come back for more!

Here is a little bit of history of Gastown and below is my photo-story - look close at that steam clock! It quite literally gives off steam! It is in the heart of the district and is one of the biggest tourist attractions. So worth the fame too!

Gastown is the heart of Vancouver. Named after “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a Yorkshire seaman, steamboat captain and barkeeper who arrived in 1867 to open the area’s first saloon. Designated a National Historic Site in 2009, the storied neighborhood offers a saw tooth skyline that dates back to the 1800s, showcasing some of the city’s best Victorian Italianate, Edwardian Commercial and Romanesque architecture.

Gastown is central to Vancouver’s position as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, providing a rich, textured backdrop for the neighborhood’s vanguard group of entrepreneurs. It offers a thriving fashion district, impeccably curated décor boutiques, one-of-a-kind galleries and some of the best culinary fare in the city. If you step up from street level, you’ll also find a collection of the city’s most creative enterprises, from graphic designers and architects to film students and photographers. In 2012, Gastown was named the fourth most stylish neighborhood in the world, setting trends from the historic seat of the city, and rightfully so, in my opinion! Judge for yourself: